Holy Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (April 1, 2021)
Tonight we begin the Easter Triduum by joining Jesus at table. He invites us to share a meal as disciples.
Jesus knows that his hour has come. All of us are surprised when Jesus rises from the table and begins to wash the feet of his disciples.
We hear Peter speak the words that are in all of our hearts. But Jesus wants to make it clear to usthat humble service is what loving is all about. He leaves a vivid image in all of our minds when he tells us: “What I have done for you, you should also do.”
What we have witnessed is serving humbly – and receiving humbly. Jesus is telling us that the “dust” of our daily walk in life – the fears and guilt, the doubts and discouragement, all that accumulates and threatens to cloud our experience
of the divine life we have received in baptism – all of it is gently washed from our feet as we serve and receive.
We are ready to eat our meal in grateful love. But Jesus has more to give us at this meal. He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it and shares it with us. He tells us that this is not just bread: “This is my body which will be given up for you.” Then he passes us a cup of wine and tells us: “This is the cup of my blood which will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven.” He finishes the meal by telling us: “Do this in memory of me.”
Jesus’ words will take on their full meaning tomorrow as we follow Jesus to his loving death on the Cross and then experience Jesus risen from the dead three days later. We begin to understand the profound gift of love that Jesus is giving us: “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.”
As we sit here at table with Jesus, our minds are filled with images that reach deep within us and touch our hearts. The words and actions of Jesus tell us so intimately about God’s great love for us and how much God desires to be one with us. They also remind us of the challenge Jesus has set before us: “As I have done for you, you must do for each other.” With gratefulness for being here, may this meal truly join us as one.
